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Willy Loman's Failure, 2005.
A discussion of Willy Loman's failures as a husband, employee and father in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
1,121 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
Arthur Miller's play, Death of a Salesman (1949), depicts the slow disintegration of an ordinary man, a traveling salesman named Willy Loman. Willy is past his prime, and unpleasant realities are beginning to close in on him in a deeply personal way. Willy has by now lost most of his grip on reality. In this essay, the writer discusses how Willy's illusions, deceptions, lies, and blindness about himself and his children contribute to his failures as a husband, an employee and a father.
From the Paper
"Once a relatively successful salesman, Willy Loman now feels that the key ingredients of the "American Dream": financial success, self-sufficiency, family happiness, and a feeling that his children will surpass him, are slipping away. Willy's carefully manufactured illusions collapse, sending him spiraling into despair. Willy Loman is "past sixty years of age" (Miller, Act One, stage directions), and a man of "mercurial nature . . . temper . . . massive dreams, and little cruelties" (stage directions). In the opening lines of Act One, Linda, Willy's long-suffering, loyal-to-a-fault wife, inquires of him, "You didn't smash the car, did you?", which foreshadows the play's tragic end. As a husband, Willy has long been in the habit of deceiving his wife. Although Linda never learns of Willy's hotel room affair (discovered by accident by their son Biff, then a high school senior) she recognizes his other lies. Linda never confronts Willy directly, though, about how she knows he plans to commit suicide. Willy is not honest, but neither is Linda. Intent on protecting Willy's ego, Linda never contradicts him, questions him too harshly, or allows their now grown son Biff to tell Willy what he really thinks of him as a son and father. In these respects, although Willy is a bad husband, Linda is not a good wife."
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Willy Loman's Failure, 2005.
A look at the issue of personal failure in the play, "Death of a Salesman," by Arthur Miller.
901 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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Abstract
In the play, "Death of a Salesman," the playwright focuses on the theme of failure in a success-oriented society. The paper discusses how Willy Loman, a failed salesman, is the central character who believes the propaganda of a society that only has room for winners. It points out how the play's theme demonstrates how a victim of "The American Dream" can be destroyed by false promises, which not only impact on one's business life, but also set up conflicts within personal relationships.
From the Paper
"The play centers on the life of a middle aged salesman, Willy Lowman, who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He lives with his adoring but over protective wife, Linda, who acts as a buffer between her husband and their two adult sons, Biff and Happy. The relationship they have with their father is permanently under tension. The play plots the tragic collapse of a man who cannot face up to his moral responsibilities. The society in which he is a victim of false values that attach a dangerous importance to success as measured in such transient terms as income and material possessions. Living according to these values means that failure is likewise defined in economic terms."
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Willy Loman, 2002.
An analysis of the protagonist Willy Loman from Arthur Miller?s "Death of a Salesman".
2,168 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper provides an exploratory journey through the character of Willy Loman from Arthur Miller?s "Death of a Salesman" including his strengths, weaknesses and downfall. It looks at how the character of Willy Loman is a character that provides the reader with an inside view of many different life lessons including the death of the American Dream, what lying will get one, what middle age can cause and how pride can destroy not only the prideful but all of those he touches. It shows how the life lessons that are played out by the character of Willy Loman are lessons that are critically important to the success or failure of real life. Loman is someone who tries hard but because of his personal flaws experiences pain and heartache along the way.
From the Paper
"Willy committing suicide is a rare occurrence in most literature. It is a sad event that is not reversible and leaves the reader with a feeling of deep emptiness, but perhaps that was the author?s plan all along. The reader gets to know Willy throughout the play, and whether the reader comes to love him or hate him one cannot help but pity the man who felt the only way to be somebody in the end was to die. Willy was a man who had spent his life embellishing. He lied to his wife about how much he sold, he lied to his company about what he was worth, he lied to his neighbor about his truth in work, and most of all he lied to himself about what was important. The character of Willy is one that provides the backdrop for many reader reflections. Most people who reach middle age discover the truth about the myth of the American Dream."
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Willy Loman: A Tragic Hero, 2002.
This paper contrasts and compares the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman," and Aristotle's definition of a tragic hero in "Poetics."
1,520 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the character of Wily Loman and finds out how the man fits the description of a tragic hero as given by Aristotle in his book, ?Poetics.' Willy Loman is the leading character of Arthur Miller?s play titled ?Death of a Salesman? which appeared in 1949. The author of this paper feels that Willy Loman is unable to distinguish between reality and illusion. Using examples from the play, the author shows how Loman feels that he and his son are successful businessmen but in reality he is a weak fellow who is incapable of turning his dreams into reality.
From the Paper
"Aristotle also clearly said that a tragic hero was not someone who brought misfortune upon himself through some accident. For example while Brutus was a tragic hero, Julius Caeser himself cannot be categorized as one because the latter as killed by those whom he had trusted while the former ruins himself because of a series of errors. Therefore it is clear that a tragic hero is the one who commits series of mistakes and therefore ultimately ruins himself and meets a tragic end. Willy Loman too did not become suicidal all of a sudden, he committed grave errors form time to time because he failed to acknowledge the importance of hard work and thus finally met a tragic death which was more a result of living in an imagery world than anything else."
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Oedipus and Willy Loman, 2006.
Comparing and contrasting Sophocles' character Oedipus and Arthur Miller's character Willy Loman.
2,314 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
Arthur Miller's Willy Loman in the modern American tragedy "Death of a Salesman", is like Oedipus, more cursed than blessed, although he too has enjoyed his share of blessings on a smaller scale: A devoted wife; two healthy sons; a once lucrative job, home ownership: The trappings of the "American Dream". The paper explains that Oedipus, before his downfall, is King of Thebes; Willy, though no monarch, is esteemed by his wife, sons and community (at least until Biff's discovery of him with another woman). It shows however, that both Oedipus and Willy are doomed by their own excessive pride, which blinds each of them to the realities of their own, and others' strengths, limitations and potential. As a result, even though Oedipus is a king and Willy Loman is merely a salesman, both are tragic characters.
From the Paper
"In Oedipus the King, Oedipus is doomed by fate. In Death of a Salesman, Willy is doomed by a combination of fate and his own stubborn beliefs and actions (and inactions). Oedipus's descent is from a higher place, a kingdom, yet each character still loses all that matters. Moreover, both will die, though differently: Oedipus from exposure due to exile; Willie by suicide. Both are defeated and ultimately destroyed by their own overweening pride, which blinds both characters to the realities of their own, and others, existences and circumstances."
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The Tragic Existence of Willy Loman, 2006.
An evaluation of the character Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman".
1,100 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Willy Loman, the main character in the play "Death of a Salesman" by playwright Arthur Miller. The paper demonstrates how "Death of a Salesman" -- and in particular its protagonist Willy Loman -- serves as a commentary on the tragedy of the lost American Dream. The focus of the paper is on how Willy suffers because of the internal and external conflicts in his life, and how he is ultimately faced with the dramatic questions that broach the nature of the disintegration of his family.
From the Paper
"The main protagonist of Death of a Salesman is Willy Loman, a traveling salesman. He represents the common American man and is a symbol for every person who has put faith into the American Dream and been betrayed by it. Willy is a ritual head of his family, though his family may or may not actually respect and love him as the husband and father. Willy is the personification of the values that are held in the utmost importance by the civilized men of the twentieth century, being dedicated to his long-standing employer despite unfair treatment, holding materialistic values to prove success to himself, and wanting good things for his football-hero son. Willy is seeking meaning for the events of his life, trying to interpret a design and pattern to life when it seems the most illogical and the most chaotically paradoxical. Willy experiences his life as a whole, not in a linear and separated form, and the way in which events of his life interact as independent entities is both an expression of his removal from logic as well as a force which disrupts reality as he understands it. Willy's ideals are unattainable, for he wants to please everyone all of the time, he wants to be successful in a way that is not possible for him, and he wants to make an impression on the world in a way that a traveling salesman simply is not destined to do. When Willy realizes that he has failed at reaching the American Dream, and that he is not capable of attaining the material things he thinks are vital to proving his personal worth, he projects his own desires onto his son, and sees Biff as a way to redeem himself despite his failings. Unable to provide for his family in the way he sees fit during life, Willy martyrs himself so that his family can receive life insurance benefits, and his son, as a replacement for himself, can reach the American Dream with the money."
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Jay Gatsby and Willy Loman, 2008.
A comparative analysis of how the characters of Jay Gatsby from F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" and Willy Loman from Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman" face their pasts.
956 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in "The Great Gatsby", F. Scott Fitzgerald created Jay Gatsby, a man with a mysterious past that is bared over the course of the novel. It also looks at how in "Death of a Salesman", Arthur Miller created Willy Loman, a man haunted by a past that he does not understand. It discusses how Jay Gatsby knew what his past was, and concealed it. Nevertheless, he could treat his father with generosity, if only from a distance. In comparison, the paper looks at how Willy Loman longs to recapture his past, but it is a past he has idealized almost beyond recognition. He does not realize that in the venality of his failing life, he already has it.
From the Paper
"Fitzgerald gives only a glimpse of young Jimmy Gatz, through his father. Henry Gatz comes to New York for the funeral, "a solemn old man, very helpless and dismayed" (Fitzgerald, 111), after reading of Gatsby's death in the Chicago papers, and Fitzgerald does not explain how Mr. Gatz connected Jay Gatsby and his son. The old man confronts Gatsby's edifice with grief "mixed with awed pride" (Fitzgerald, 112), blind to the fact that "foul dust floated in the wake of his dreams" (Fitzgerald, 2). His worn-out photograph of Gatsby's house is "more real to him now than the house itself" (Fitzgerald, 115). "
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Willy Loman and the American Dream, 2005.
An examination of Willy Loman's disillusion in the American dream in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
804 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how in "Death of a Salesman", Willy Loman goes though an internal conflict as he strives to achieve the American dream. It looks at how as he struggles with obtaining an ideological life, his family carries the burden of un-fulfillment and how this burden weighs down Willy and eventually leads to his downfall.
From the Paper
"Willy Loman, the tragic hero of Death of a Salesman, entirely believes in the American dream. He feels as long as he maintains the life of being a well-liked salesman eventually the universe will even out and he will get his "cut of the cake." He tries to follow in the path of famed salesman Dave Singleman. Singleman made a profitable living selling from his hotel phone. The personal relationships that he forged, not the products, brought in the sales. This is the ideal Willy tries to uphold. When Singleman dies many turn out to his funeral; yet, he has no family for his life was based on selling. For this reason, it would be near impossible for Willy to follow in his footsteps. Trying to balance sales and family took its toll on Willy."
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Willy Loman, 2002.
This paper discusses Arthur Miller?s character Willy Loman from ?Death of a Salesman.?
1,460 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Miller?s use of Aristotle?s concept of the tragic hero in his construction of the character, Willy Loman, from ?Death of a Salesman.? The paper author thinks that it is true genius of Arthur Miller to create a tragic hero out of a regular ordinary character. The paper author believes that Willy fits the definition of Aristotle?s completely and contains all the features of a man destined to meet failure and misfortune because of his innate flaw.
From the Paper
"Aristotle was of the view that a tragic hero is the one who arouses pity and fear in others. Judging the character of Willy according to this description, we notice that Willy, too, manages to arouse pity and fear in the readers. Pity because people feel sorry for the man who cannot distinguish between reality and disillusionment and therefore constantly suffers from misfortune. On the other hand, the character also arouses fear because while studying his life, readers are suddenly gripped with the fearful realization that this fate could have been theirs, too."
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Willy Loman, 2002.
A look at the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's play ' Death of a Salesman'.
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This three-page undergraduate paper critically analyzes the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's play ' Death of a Salesman'. The character is a complex as the man refuses to accept the reality and has carved an imaginary world for himself. The play takes into the account the man's mental condition and the possible causes and repercussions.
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Willy Loman, 2005.
A look at Willy Loman as as a pathetic character who is the author of his own downfall in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman".
2,219 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how many critics, over the years, have discussed the issue of blame as far as Willy's ideas, suffering, and suicide are concerned. Many feel, as the question in the title claims, that Willy's character traits and dubious morals are the key reasons behind his downfall, yet others believe that social pressures and the influence of role models are the key triggers responsible for Willy's downfall. The paper attempts to argue all the responses to this statement.
From the Paper
"In dramatic contrast to this view of Willy, there are those who view him much less critically, focusing on his more admirable qualities and the causes outside of Willy's control as responsible for his downfall. Biff describes Willy as having the "wrong dreams", Willy may be flawed but he is also admirable because of his persistence and great love for his family. Jerry L. Crawford "Death of a Salesman: A landmark Date in Theatre" is very much in agreement with this line of argument. He believes that "few people can remain unmoved by Willy's fight for his family, carrying on a struggle for sales long after he has lost his skills and welcome, holding desperately to an impossible dream for his son". "
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Willy Loman and the American Dream, 2006.
An analysis of the theme in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" about the failure of the "American Dream".
2,155 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper suggests that Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman" could be viewed as a doctrinal thesis that heavily criticizes democracy and capitalism. The paper analyzes the theme and the main protagonist in the play, Willy Loman, and explains how the play is symbolic of Miller's attempt to combine the motifs of social and personal disintegration with Willy Loman's quest for the "American dream."
From the Paper
"Loman's eventual destruction by his own hand, being his suicide, demonstrates the overall failure of American culture and the failure of his chosen profession as a door-to-door salesman, a job which requires steady nerves and much determination. Miller's concept of Willy Loman as one of millions of American middle-class workers in search of the "American dream" exemplifies the true nature of American society via Loman's inability to realize that such as dream, at least for many Americans, is based on an illusion of great magnitude and depth. Thus, Miller's Death of a Salesman stands as one of the most important plays written in the last sixty years, due to its ability to illuminate "certain values which civilized men in the 20th century share," being the "cruel paradox of human existence" which often inserts "a sense of greater meaning than that conferred upon it by reality" ("Death of a Salesman-Protagonist," Internet)."
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Willy Loman Tragic Hero, 2005.
Examines whether the protagonist from Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" should be considered a tragic hero.
1,764 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
When one reads "Death of a Salesman" by Arthur Miller, the first question that comes to mind is: Why should we care about Willy Loman? This paper questions whether Loman continues the tradition of a classic tragic hero and whether this was Arthur Miller's intention. As Loman is meant to be a uniquely American protagonist, who simply failed to achieve the "American Dream," this "dream" is also examined.
From the Paper
"Arthur Miller, however, views the character of Willy Loman differently. He asserts that that "the common man is as apt a subject for tragedy in its highest sense as kings were (Miller)." Though Willy had never achieved a high position or sense of identity in his life, Miller claims that in tragedy the importance is not on the fall from a high position, but "the underlying struggle is that of the individual attempting to gain his "rightful" position in his society." He claims that it is still a fall, not from an actual position of power, but from a potential one, and therefore the "common man" goes through the same feelings and thoughts that a king would."
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Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", 2000.
A characterization of the main character in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman".
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper analyses the character of Willy Loman in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" who, in his obsession for success and being number one, loses sight of who he really is. The author looks at Willy's relationship with his family and the image he desperately tries to display to the world.
From the Paper
"Willy Loman had a dream: to be on the top, to be "the number-one man" (p.107). While he led his whole life in accordance with this dream, he lost sight of "who he really was" (p.107). He never questioned himself, whether he actually was identical to the person he dreamed to be. Willy simply ignores everything, which might destroy his dream: he ignores his own feelings and thoughts, those of his family and especially the feelings and wishes of his son, Biff."
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Willie Loman and Oedipus, 2004.
Analysis of the main characters in Arthur Miller?s "Death of a Salesman" and Sophocles's "Oedipus Rex".
2,339 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Oedipus and Loman as two tragic characters and attempts to establish which tragic hero fits best the profile as defined by Aristotle. This is done by comparing the background of Oedipus and Willie Loman, their personalities, their stories, and, in the end, by comparing their tragedy.
From the Paper
"Oedipus Rex is a classic tragic hero. As defined by Aristotle, Oedipus is a classic tragic hero because he is a king whose life falls apart when he finds out his life story. According to Aristotle, there are certain elements, which a tragic hero must fulfill. These elements include the fact that whatever happens in that hero?s life is not really well deserved; that the tragic hero himself is somehow the cause of his downfall and that the extent of the tragedy is always worse than the hero deserves. As per Aristotle?s definition all tragic heroes usually have the stories revolving around them. For instance, in Sophocles Oedipus Rex and in Miller?s ?Death of a Salesman?, the story does revolve around Oedipus and Loman. They are the primary characters and the entire story basically revolves around them."
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